Private hire vehicle minicab licence

Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, the Licensing Section undertakes the licensing of Hackney Carriages and Hackney Carriage Drivers and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and Operators.

In Rochdale, there are two types of vehicle licensed - Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles.  They are easily distinguished from each other by the fact that Hackney Carriages are either purpose built 'London style' black cabs, or white saloons with a roof sign.

Private Hire vehicles are usually 'saloon type' vehicles, of any other colour other than white, but include mini buses with up to and including eight passenger seats.  They are not allowed to display a roof sign, but must have signs on the front doors identifying the operator under which they are operating and the words "Advanced Bookings Only".

Hackney Carriage Vehicles display a white plate on the front and rear of the vehicle and Private Hire Vehicles display a red plate.  Both types of vehicle display a small window sticker of the relevant colour inside the vehicle and the licence number on the dashboard.

The basic difference between the two vehicles is that Hackney Carriages can be "flagged down" on the street or at a rank and Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked through an operator.  If a Private Hire Driver accepts a fare off the street without it being pre-booked, they are liable to prosecution.  It is also important to note that anyone taking a journey in a Private Hire Vehicle which has been "flagged down" is not insured for the journey.

Fees

  
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